An initiative which is helping to bring empty properties in East Kent back into use has approved its first loan. This loan will help the owner to renovate the empty property and create a new family home.
No Use Empty is a partnership between Kent County Council and four East District Councils, Dover, Shepway, Swale and Thanet, which complements the existing work being carried out by the partner District Councils to combat the ongoing problem of empty housing.
Mr Squirrel, the owner of the empty property, will use the loan to carry out major renovation works, including a new roof, re-wiring, central heating and new windows on a three-bedroom house in Ramsgate’s High Street, which has been vacant for four and half years. The property also has a range of period features including timber sliding sash windows, French doors to the garden, and fire places, which will be retained to conserve its character as a period dwelling. The work is expected to take around five months and upon completion the property will be placed on the market and brought back into use.
Kent County Council has committed a £5 million capital fund to provide financial support to owners of empty property to help them pay for necessary renovations required to bring them back into use. Research shows that the cost of renovation works is one of the biggest obstacles to bringing empty homes back into use and the loan scheme is a very tangible solution to unlock the problem.
Mr Squirrel the owner of the property and beneficiary of the loan said: “The loan we have received from the No Use Empty campaign has made the difference between the house falling into further disrepair, and turning the property into a new home. With No Use Empty’s support we have been able to rescue this house and we would encourage other owners of empty properties to make the most of this scheme and apply for a loan.”
Kent County Council Cabinet Member, Roger Gough, said: “This loan scheme highlights the commitment of the County Council and our District Council partners to tackling the problem of empty properties to help build stronger communities across the region. We’re delighted to have granted what we hope will be the first of many loans to owners of empty properties.”
Councillor Zita Wiltshire, Cabinet Member for Housing at Thanet District Council said: “The No Use Empty initiative is very supportive of our own strategy to combat empty housing and we’re delighted that the first loan has been granted to bring a property back into use in Ramsgate”.
Empty property officers at the four District Councils are working hard to ensure similar help and advice is available to property owners across East Kent. If you would like to discuss this further please call the No Use Empty hotline 08458 247605.